I’m a fan — but I’m very much a realist. I know Southern California is ranked third in the Associated Press poll and second in the USA Today/Coaches poll. I know Virginia lost 14 starters, including our all-everything lineman and last year’s starting quarterback. Fans around Grounds are skeptical of the 2008 squad, and for good reason. We’ve waved goodbye to players as they were drafted. We waved goodbye to players as they were arrested. Now, there are more question marks on the 2008 Cavalier roster than on a final exam.
But I’m also an optimist. I like both the opportunity to see a national powerhouse come to Charlottesville as well as to consider the possibility of an upset. Here are six reasons why Saturday’s game could end with you rushing the field:
Reason 1: Mark Sanchez’s injury
It looks like USC’s captain and starting quarterback will be playing despite the injury to his kneecap that he suffered tossing a football around during warm-ups. (Yes, you read that right.) Though Sanchez is by far the Trojans’ most talented and experienced quarterback, he’s not necessarily the most prepared. The injury forced Sanchez to miss about two weeks worth of practice — enough of a break to call into question whether Sanchez is in the best physical shape to get the nod as starter. If the Cavaliers can break through the USC offensive line and rattle Sanchez, USC coach Pete Carroll may be forced to look to one of his more conditioned backups to take the reigns. Though getting Sanchez off his game (or out of Saturday’s) would be a small victory for Virginia, it would be a step toward a bigger one.
Reason 2: Virginia’s backfield
There are only a few spots on the offensive side of the ball that are secured and solidified by a returning player. Running back is one of those positions for the Cavaliers. Both Mikell Simpson and Cedric Peerman will bring good and proven skillsets back to Virginia this fall. Both are quick, have good hands and have shown they can be the team’s workhorse. Based on how much the running backs were used last year, Virginia should get some good production Saturday. Groh certainly has some weapons at his disposal. If he uses them right, Virginia may find itself with a chance to win come the fourth quarter.
Reason 3: USC vs. Ohio State
The Trojans will welcome the Buckeyes to the Coliseum Sept. 13 in a game some say is a possible preview of the national championship. Carroll is one of the best coaches in college football, but it’s hard to keep the USC team focused squarely on Virginia when its second game is its biggest matchup of the year. I guarantee you the Trojans already have implemented plays, and coaches have started reviewing Buckeye game tape in preparation for the Sept. 13 showdown. USC is probably talented enough to look ahead a little bit, but if the Cavs can catch them napping, Saturday’s game could be closer than people expect.
Reason 4: Training camp
Based on reports from Cavalier training camp, it’s been physical. Groh said in his weekly press conference that the increase in contact at training camp is “a response to what’s necessary to get this team ready.” When Groh says “this team,” he’s referring to a young and relatively inexperienced group of players. Young and inexperienced aren’t the best adjectives to describe a football team, but it may work to the Cavaliers’ advantage in the home opener against USC if the rigorous training camp has served its purpose. A young, conditioned and naive group that hasn’t been exposed to a season full of losses and letdowns may be all it takes to throw the Trojans a curveball and electrify a sold-out crowd. Of course, a young squad has its pitfalls, but here’s to looking at the glass as half full.
Reason 5: Appalachian State
It can happen. David beats Goliath. That’s one of the most important things to realize heading into Saturday’s game. In fact, when Appalachian State stunned Michigan to open the 2007 college football season it was probably even more of an underdog than Virginia is against USC. Michigan had hopes of winning its conference and a national championship. The same is true for the Trojans this season. Though it may not be apparent just yet, there is a lot of talent on Virginia’s roster — enough to hang tight with USC. And, if everything is clicking Saturday, it could be trouble for another football powerhouse on opening day.
Reason 6: You
By the way, Appalachian State didn’t have the convenience of playing Michigan at home. It went on the road and won — all the more reason why a victory is possible for Virginia Saturday. The Cavaliers have the intangible benefit of the home field and the home crowd. That only helps if the Cavalier faithful stay supportive: Don’t get down early. Michigan scored a touchdown on its opening drive. USC might do the same. That didn’t stop Appalachian State from pouncing on the Wolverines later on in the game, and it shouldn’t stop the Cavaliers either.
Be loud, be relentless and make it tough for Sanchez and his offense to operate. Get to the game early, because the student capacity of 13,000 very well might be reached; don’t get left out, especially if you like to yell. A hostile atmosphere is not something a lot of college teams can prepare for. Let’s give the Cavaliers that advantage Saturday.
Hey, anything can happen.
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